34 results about "Speech therapy" patented technology

The present disclosure relates to speech therapy and voice training methods. A system is provided which utilizes tonal and rhythm visualization components to allow a person to “see” their words as they attempt to improve or regain their ability to speak clearly. The system is also applicable to vocal music instruction and allows students improve their singing abilities by responding to visual feedback which incorporates both color and shape. The system may comprise a step-by-step instruction method, live performance abilities, and recording and playback features. Certain embodiments incorporate statistical analysis of student progress, remote access for teacher consultation, and video games for enhancing student interest.

A method (196) for providing speech therapy to a learner (30) utilizes a formant estimation and visualization process (28) executable on a computing system (26). The method (196) calls for receiving a speech signal (35) from the learner (30) at an audio input (34) of the computing system (26) and estimating first and second formants (136, 138) of the speech signal (35). A target (94) is incorporated into a vowel chart (70) on a display (38) of the computing system (26). The target (70) characterizes an ideal pronunciation of the speech signal (35). A data element (134) of a relationship between the first and second formants (136, 138) is incorporated into the vowel chart (76) on the display (38). The data element (134) is compared with the target (70) to visualize an accuracy of the speech signal (35) relative to the ideal pronunciation of the speech signal (35).

An improved stuttering treatment program provides for a multi dimensional diagnostic procedure for identifying the problems associated with stuttering. A simultaneous attitude modification phase and a speech fluency enhancing techniques phase define a supervised, hands-on exercise portion of the program which is intended to advance the level of speech of a stutter afflicted person to speech fluency. Upon completion of attitude modification and speech fluency enhancing exercises, which raises the patient to speech fluency, a self-discipline phase of the program is provided where the patient supervises himself during speech exercising, monitors and analyzes exercise effect and reports his analysis to speech professionals. The self-supervised exercise is up-dated and communicated to the patient, for preventive maintenance of speech fluency.

A computer-operated speech therapy system is provided that includes speech input, speech recognition and natural language understanding, and audio and visual outputs to enable an aphasic patient to conduct self-paced speech therapy autonomously. The system of the invention conducts a therapy exercise by displaying a picture; generating a speech prompt asking the patient for information about the picture; receiving the patient's speech response and processing it to determine its semantic content; determining whether the patient's response was correct; and outputting feedback to the patient. Preferably the system includes a touch screen as a graphical input/output device by which the patient controls the therapy exercise.

A method and implement for use in speech therapy to assist with teaching a patient to correctly produce sounds, especially /r/ sounds, designed to be used in a human mouth to support tongue tip and made of a palatable, non-toxic substance such as wax or candy.

A computer-based system generates alternative phonetic transcriptions for a target word or phrase corresponding to specific phonological processes that replace individual phonemes or clusters of two or more phonemes with replacement phonemes. The system compares a user's speech with a list of possible transcriptions that includes the base (i.e., correct) transcription of the test target as well as the different alternative transcriptions, to identify the transcription that best matches the user's. In a speech therapy application, the system identifies the phonological process(es), if any, associated with the user's speech and generates statistics over multiple test targets that can be used to diagnose the user's specific phonological disorders. The system can also be implemented in other contexts such as foreign language instruction and automated attendant applications to cover a wide variety and range of accents and/or phonological disorders.

The intonation of speech is modified by an appropriate combination of resampling and time-domain harmonic scaling. Resampling increases (upsampling) or decreases (downsampling) the number of data points in a signal. Harmonic scaling adds or removes pitch cycles to or from a signal. The pitch of a speech signal can be increased by combining downsampling with harmonic scaling that adds an appropriate number of pitch cycles. Alternatively, pitch can be decreased by combining upsampling with harmonic scaling that removes an appropriate number of pitch cycles. The present invention can be implemented in an automated speech-therapy tool that is able to modify the intonation of prerecorded reference speech signals for playback to a user to emphasize the correct pronunciation by increasing the pitch of selected portions of words or phrases that the user had previously mispronounced.

A therapy-based method for increasing the communications skills of children diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder (“PDD”) through a combination of therapy steps performed in a particular order and for specific amounts of time. The method makes use of integrating language scripting, sensory integration, occupational and speech therapies, visual supports, and a structured routine, which teaches children diagnosed with PDD specific social-based interactions that improve the ability of those diagnosed with PDD to interact with others in common social settings.

A speech therapy system includes a portable voice-monitoring assembly with a voice-sensing first subassembly and a loudness-alert-producing second subassembly. The second subassembly (e.g., a microcontroller-outfitted electronic circuit) produces loudness alerts using a selected one of multiple loudness alert types to better aid the user keep speech characteristics (e.g., speech volume) within a specified range of acceptable voicing. Preferably, the second subassembly records a USAGE TIME parameter, and changes the loudness alert type if the USAGE TIME parameter exceeds a specified value. Preferably, the second subassembly records an EFFECTIVENESS parameter, based upon the duration of use required before the user adjusts their speech to acceptable voicing, and changes the loudness alert type if the EFFECTIVENESS parameter falls below a specified value. Preferably, alerts are included to indicated when voicing levels exceed user-inputted maximum and minimum levels. The methodology of the present invention proceeds accordingly.

A therapeutic method for treating apraxia of speech in children. The child can also be diagnosed with autism, mental retardation, dyslexia. Verbal development stages and nonverbal development stages are tested and observed. If a child demonstrates at least 18 to 24 month development stage of either the verbal development or the non-verbal development, a therapeutic dosage of dopamine agonistic medicine is administered to the child in addition to speech therapy and language training.

The invention discloses a bionic chewing motion mechanism with double Hooker hinges. The mechanism comprises an upper jaw bone model, a lower jaw bone model, two bionic temporal-mandibular joints anda bionic muscle set; the upper jaw bone model is connected with the lower jaw bone model through two sets of bionic temporal-mandibular joints arranged on two sides of the lower jaw bone model; four sets of double Hooker hinge devices are arranged in the bionic temporal-mandibular joints for realizing free movement of the lower jaw bone model within six degrees of freedom; and the lower jaw bone model is driven through the bionic muscle set. The bionic motion device can be widely applied to such fields as lower jaw recovery, dental recovery, food character analysis and speech therapy.

A personal exerciser for head and neck muscle strengthening comprises at least one part, intended to be inserted in a user's mouth during exercising and another part intended to cover the area around the lips, mouth and chin to prevent wrinkle formation and choking during exercising. A multiple layered structure is used in the form of a deformable, pliable composition covered with durable, resilient, elastomeric material. This structure allows fitting the personal exerciser inside the mouth and around the lips, mouth and chin of each unique individual. Isomeric and isotonic exercising of the head and neck muscles are performed simultaneously utilizing the inherent resistance of the elastomeric material. A method of use of the personal exerciser for head and neck muscles is adaptable for use in speech therapy, smoking cessation therapy, obesity treatment and treatment of complications from cosmetic surgeries and procedures.

The invention provides an air blowing and inhaling training instrument used for swallowing and speech therapy and respiratory muscle training. The training instrument comprises an air blowing training tube, an air inhaling training tube and an air blowing and inhaling tube, wherein the air blowing and inhaling tube is connected to one end of the air blowing training tube, one end of the air inhaling training tube is connected to one end, provided with the air blowing and inhaling tube, of the air blowing training tube, the air inhaling training tube and the air blowing training tube share the air blowing and training tube, the interior of the air blowing training tube and the interior of the air inhaling training tube are respectively provided with a one-way air valve, only blow-out air flow can flow through the one-way air valve of the air blowing training tube, only inhale-in air flow can flow through the one-way air valve of the air inhaling training tube, floaters capable of moving under driving of the air flow are further installed in the air blowing training tube and the air inhaling training tube and connected with an induction plate, the induction plate inducts the positions of the floaters, and the positions of the floaters are transmitted to a seeing and hearing display system after being processed by a computer. The air blowing and inhaling training instrument is simple in structure, convenient to operate and capable of evaluating the air blowing and inhaling function and performing biological feedback treatment on air blowing and inhaling motion.

A device combining a treatment of ear and sinus conditions along with speech therapy and administration of medication is disclosed. The device comprises a patient face mask, adapted to cover mouth andnose of a patient, and a visual and/or audio feedback mechanism connected to the face mask and adapted to provide feedback through internal air pressure in a device's compartment. The device's compartment is adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient mouth and nose during its operation. The device may comprise a supervisor face mask. Expiration into the face mask(s) increases air pressure. An increase in air pressure within the device activates the feedback mechanism and will lead to effective middle ear and sinus ventilation. The feedback mechanism may also be used in speech therapy for feedback to the patient. Drugs may be administered into the system for treatment of airway disease of for the purpose or general anaesthesia.

The present invention relates to a speech therapy and audio learning. Specifically, this invention relates a multi-media and multi-modal framework for interactive speech therapy and audio learning using handheld devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptop and desktop computers.

This invention is that of an Integrated Multi-Modal Interactive Framework for Speech Therapy

This invention provides a framework in which lessons are prepared and recorded by the expert for the Learner to practice by interacting via multi-modal interfaces, and also recorded for review by the expert and the learner.

Further, this invention provides the platform on which learning sessions are created with differing levels of multi-modal interaction, complexity and game-playing, to engage and enhance the learning experience.

Systems and methods for monitoring neuroplasticity within at least one region of interest of a brain of a subject are disclosed. The method includes transforming at least one time sequence of signals indicative of neural activity into a summary parameter indicative of plasticity pulses. The method further includes evaluating the summary parameter with respect to one or more threshold values to obtain a determination of neuroplasticity within at least one region of interest of the subject. The method may be used to evaluate the efficacy of a neuroactive therapy, such as a neuroactive medication, a physical therapy, an occupational therapy or a speech therapy. The summary parameter obtained using the disclosed method may be displayed to a subject as a biofeedback during a neurotherapy.

A manipulative tool for demonstrating the relative positions and configurations of articulators and other oral structures, when making phonetic sounds. The tool comprises a tongue, upper and lower palate, and upper and lower teeth, as well as, adjustable and positional lips, any one of which may be manipulated and posed so as to retain placement once released by a user. In this regard, the manipulative tool is used to demonstrate proper formation of certain phonetic sounds to assist in speech therapy or training of persons who are affected by speech impediments, or to assist in the training of future clinicians.